How To Prepare For A Second Opinion

People often want a second opinion. But what is a second opinion? When should one get a second opinion and how to prepare for an effective second opinion. We unpack these questions and more in this informative article on the important topic of second opinion.

What does a second opinion mean? 

A second opinion simply means seeking an opinion following a primary consultation with your doctor with another specialist/doctor to help in making the best choice for the patient. It is usually needed when there is a conflict on diagnosis/treatment or the best course of action. Medical second opinions, in which a medical specialist reviews the beneficiary's medical data in private and offers advice on recommended courses of treatment, are becoming more and more prevalent.

Related Reading: How to be an Empowered Cancer Patient

Why seek a second opinion?

1. Physicians may differ in their ideas regarding the diagnosis or treatment of specific disorders, even if their training is often identical. Even the finest physicians might have these kinds of discrepancies. Disparities often arise from:
   • Sometime the evidence may be equivocal and or not too clear to make a decision (from lab reports, symptoms and other diagnostic measures) to support the best course of action. 
   • Variations in advice can also arise from a physician’s interpretation of scientific data regarding a test or treatment and their related patient experience
   • To help in getting an assessment of the management plan in context to possible advantages and disadvantages for the patient.
   • Physician's readiness and preparedness to engage in the most recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances depends on the accessibility of these advances in the community.
   • Physician’s understanding of the quality of life needs of the patient.
      
2. Take charge of your health decisions and feel empowered
   • You will inevitably learn more about all of your treatment options and even have a better understanding of any potential adverse effects by getting a second opinion. 
   • Many patients claim that increasing their knowledge about their illness and available treatments gives them a greater sense of control over their health and ensures that they are making the best choices for them.
      
3. Reinforcement of decision and tranquility of mind
   • If both doctors concur on a course of therapy, getting a second opinion might provide you with additional peace of mind that you are making the proper decision about your course of care.
   • If one physician has advised you that there is little chance of improvement for your disease or that there are very few options available to you, you should speak with another physician who may be aware of more options that you may not have known about. By getting a second opinion, you stand to gain everything and lose nothing.
      
4. Finding the right physician and medical care team for you
   • Most medical professionals strive to support their patients' right to a second opinion and are aware of it. If you believe another doctor can better serve your requirements, it is not mandatory to stick to the first physician you see. Make sure you select the optimal treatment team for your needs by observing the nurses, office staff, and setting during your visit with a new physician.
      
5. Finding Other Options for Therapy:
   • Not every doctor or facility has the same options/logistics for therapy. Getting a second opinion might help you receive a more cutting-edge or individualized treatment.

For these reasons, consulting with a separate physician for a second opinion can help provide more guidance and information. If the second opinion confirms the first, one may feel less anxious and more reassured. If there is a difference, options can be considered and assessed, leading to a better- educated decision. It is also possible to obtain a third opinion, especially if the first and second opinions differ.

How to prepare for a second opinion?

1. Check with your insurance company:

   To be sure, the expense of a second opinion is covered, people should check with their health insurance provider. They must inquire about and adhere to any unique protocols for obtaining a second opinion.

   Check with your doctor: Patients and their families may ask their physician to suggest a different physician or expert. Doctors may be open to receiving second opinions. To avoid bias, make sure the second doctor is not a subordinate or close associate of your doctor. 

   Often people prefer to ask around for references amongst family members, friends or friends from the medical fraternity as they feel uncomfortable questioning their current physician. Names of physicians are frequently available through patient groups, various websites and hospital websites now.
    

   In cases where you are attempting to resolve a problem or fill an information gap, you may also seek out physicians who are more willing to provide explanations about the available choices.

   It might feel awkward approaching your doctor for a second opinion, but being open and courteous when discussing the potential benefits of a second opinion and requesting the best possible referral can enhance communication and result in better decisions.
    

2. Be prepared for a better consultation:

   Prior to the appointment, you may want to send the second doctor your medical records/ medical summary. That way, the physician has time to review the documentation, avoiding needless repeating of diagnostic procedures. A comprehensive assessment of the medical records and the completion of all pertinent physical examination procedures are prerequisites for a second opinion to be considered meaningful.

   Patients should make a list of all the queries and concerns they have regarding their disorder and bring it with them when they see the second physician.

   Although you may have specific inquiries about your health issue, you can also pose the following general queries:

   • Is the diagnosis accurate?
   • What does this illness signify, and what causes it to occur?
   • What is the trajectory or natural course of the illness?
   • What treatment/care options do I have?
   • Is the treatment curative? Does it help prevent the progression of disease?
   • What would be the course, cost and length of my treatment?
   • Will your insurance be covered? Will it be cheaper to consult the same doctor at another hospital/clinic?
   • What are such decisions' benefits, drawbacks, and dangers?
   • What happens if I wait or don't take any action?
   • Talk about any existing doubts and psychosocial issues you may have.
   • Finally ask why should I choose you and your team/hospital?
   • Ask if they have a multispecialty hospital so all your needs are taken care of under one roof, especially if you have co-morbidities.
   • Inquire if they have a social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, physio and occupational therapy and rehab departments.

Usually, getting a second opinion in person is more helpful than via telemedicine. Some doctors also insist on seeing the patient for the second opinion discussion and will not give a second opinion to a caregiver.

It is common for the doctor to request actual film or copies of the pathology samples or imaging studies in advance, rather than simply the reports. So, make sure to always collect your biopsy sample slides and scan CDs after every test. Many a times, these same samples or CDs can be used for a second opinion and will save you from repeating the test.

If the doctor asks for any additional tests, it helps to have a discussion about what they are trying to look into and to discuss the financial aspect of the recommended tests versus their benefit in establishing a diagnosis or modifying the treatment plan.

Citations:

Wasserman, M. R. (2023, November 12). Getting a second opinion. MSD Manual Consumer Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/home/fundamentals/making-the-most-of-h…